WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of severe military consequences if Tehran mines the Strait of Hormuz, escalating concerns over rising US-Iran tensions and the security of one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States had not yet confirmed reports that Iran had deployed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, but warned that any such action would trigger a strong military response. He stressed that if mines had been placed in the strategic waterway, they must be removed immediately.
Trump said that if Iran failed to remove any mines, the military consequences would reach a level never seen before. He added that removing the devices would be considered a positive step toward reducing tensions in the region.
The warning comes amid growing fears about the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but vital passage through which nearly 20 percent of global oil supply moves. Any disruption to the route could trigger a major Middle East oil crisis and impact global energy markets.
According to reports by CNN citing sources familiar with US intelligence, Iran may have begun laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The reports also indicated that oil tanker traffic through the route has slowed significantly due to security concerns.
Trump also said that the United States could use advanced missile systems previously used to destroy drug-trafficking boats in Latin American waters to eliminate any vessel attempting to deploy mines in the Gulf waterway. He warned that any such boats would be dealt with quickly and violently.
The White House earlier addressed confusion surrounding claims that US forces had escorted oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials clarified that the United States had not escorted any tanker through the waterway after a post from the energy secretary’s social media account suggesting otherwise was later deleted.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically important maritime routes in the world. Any escalation between the United States and Iran in the region could have serious implications for global oil trade, shipping security, and geopolitical stability in the Middle East.
